Wahl Icon clippers: not your typical Wahl design

If we evaluate the Wahl Icon in terms of dimensions, it’s pretty standard. 6.25″ is a little longer than some other Wahl models, but its weight of 1 lb is an industry classic. It’s the color choice and the little details that make the Wahl Icon clipper a bit different. Let’s look at it first:

Usually, the brand relies on burgundy for its 5 star clippers (the cordless Magic Clip, for example.) For other non-5 star Wahl cutters, the silver/chrome looks are a classic – like the Super Taper II.

Wahl Icon clippers ditch this standard. With an elegant black body and some silvery lines, they surely stand out. The model feels somehow rougher and the top is slightly textured for a better grip. It’s very pleasant to hold which will motivate you for some quality taper haircuts, flattops, or whatever you wish to perform.

An important bonus here are the accessories. Aside from the usual Wahl clipper oil, red blade guard and a cleaning brush, you also get 8 Wahl guards. Keep in mind that the package won’t include Wahl combs size #5 and #7. It will, however, come with the rarer #1/2 and #1 1/2 comb sizes.

Wahl Icon parts: a path to great taper haircuts and more

As I mentioned in the beginning of this Wahl Icon review, the model doesn’t compromise on motor power. It features Wahl’s most high-end V9000 electromagnetic motor. Its sheer power makes it outstanding for heavy-duty work and you shouldn’t ever worry about motor choke moments here.

The stainless steel blades have been specially fortified. Chrome-plated and rustproof, the Icon clipper blades are actually the same as the ones you’d find on the Super Taper II.

Honestly, they’re not that great for ultra detailed work. Regular buzz cuts, bulk hair removal, flattops and many other usual cuts however will pose no problem. In fact, they’ll turn out fantastic.

Worried about your thicker, ethnic or curly hair? Ditch the anxiety. The Wahl Icon clippers will cut through it like butter without the need to go over twice.

The model performs very smooth cuts, even smoother than acknowledged classics like the Oster Fast Feed.

I’d like to point out that the Wahl Icon is Wahl’s most eco-friendly model when it comes to their barber clipper line. If you’re concerned about that, rest easy: your haircuts will be frugal to nature, without the cutter compromising on their quality.

Wahl Icon vs Legend / Wahl Icon vs Senior

The Icon clippers seem very close to Wahl’s Legend cutter: both in terms of price and performance. While they are indeed quite similar, there’s a very significant difference you should know about:

The Legend is a way better fading clipper.

As I’ve mentioned earlier in this Wahl Icon review, the Icon’s primary purpose is tapering and bulk hair removal. It mostly focuses on volume and more „robust“ types of haircuts. You’ll love it for clipper over comb action and the taper haircuts you’ll get with it will be out of this world.

The Legend clipper, on the other hand, excels at fading hair. Both its wider arc of the side lever and its smoother, thinner and longer blade teeth allow for that.

As for the Senior, the answer is easy: the Senior is simply way more versatile. If you grab the 5 star Senior hair clipper, it’ll come with a specific fade blade too. Its higher price put aside, the Senior is Wahl’s „main line“ model. The Icon simply doesn’t have the same output and stays a tad limited in its use.

That said, I really love how cool the Wahl Icon clippers stay. With the Seniors you also have heating issues and strong vibrations. With the Icon the machine will get only warm, and after two or three haircuts. Vibrations are reduced to a minimum too.

Some negative sides of the Wahl Icon

Considering how affordable it price is, there’s not much you can complain about the Icon clipper. Still, it’d be good for you to know that it does get noisy. It won’t be as loud as the Wahl Seniors or an Andis barber clipper classic like the Master, but it won’t stay that silent.

Another thing to note is the lack of a carry case. While you receive a ton of accessories and the Icon clipper comes with your usual 8-feet cord, you can’t store them properly. A bit of an inconvenience, but surely not a total deal breaker.

Lastly, this model is not as versatile as other professional Wahl hair clippers. I’m not saying you can’t fade or perform detailed work with it…But it’ll be a bit inconvenient. Other cutters like the 5 star Senior will provide you with more options. The cordless Magic Clip is also a great consideration, as it allows for better mobility.

Final verdict

The Wahl Icon clippers are a top choice if you want to shape a big amount of hair and turn it into something orderly and well-kept. It’s heavy-duty ready, will perform outstanding tapering action and buzz cuts, and will not waste much energy doing so.

Chrome-plated ultra sharp blades ensure zero hair „chewing“ and Wahl’s most potent V9000 motor will unleash a total beast in your hands. Slightly textured coating on top of an exquisite Wahl design only add to the pleasure.

Seriously, the Wahl Icon clipper is an undisputed bargain for its price. One of the highest value for price margins out there. If you liked what you read in this Icon review, just go for it. You won’t be disappointed.

Hmm…you know, neither me, not Ryan have tried to swap clipper housings, even so the Icon and the Super Taper. Technically, both the Icon and the Super Taper measure 6.25″ and are 1 lbs so they MIGHT be alright.

What exactly is broken? If it’s something about the cord or switch inside, this video might help you out:

Just wanted to let you know that my (EU) Icon didn’t come with 8 guides, just 4 (#1 to #4). And they are the type with metal backing and no snap on clip, so they can slip off easily when you press the clipper to the head.
I also didn’t notice much noise really, maybe because I use it only for one haircut at a time, my own…
Thanks for all the info!
Andy